Non-symmetrical Nut Plate for Composite Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional nut plates used in aircraft and other applications are heavy due to metal components, which increase weight and may corrode, and are often incompatible with composite structures, posing challenges in weight reduction and material compatibility.
Innovation Solution
Development of lightweight, corrosion-resistant nut plates with non-symmetrical designs and non-metallic materials like TORLON, featuring integral fastener cages and textured surfaces for improved assembly and compatibility with composite structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal components are used in conventional nut plates, then strength and corrosion resistance are improved, but weight increases and compatibility with composite structures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The nut plate integrates a non-metallic base (such as composite material) with a fastener element, replacing traditional all-metal construction. This composite approach reduces weight while maintaining structural integrity and providing compatibility with composite aircraft structures, eliminating galvanic corrosion issues between dissimilar metals.
Solution Approach 2:
The nut plate is divided into distinct functional components: a non-metallic base providing structural support and a separate fastener element (such as a nyloc nut) providing fastening function. This segmentation allows optimization of each component for its specific function while reducing overall weight compared to a solid metal construction.
2Strength
If metal components are used in conventional nut plates, then strength is improved, but corrosion resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By using non-metallic base materials (such as composite polymers or corrosion-resistant composite structures) instead of traditional metal bases, the nut plate eliminates galvanic corrosion that occurs between dissimilar metals in conventional assemblies. The composite material provides inherent corrosion resistance while maintaining structural strength.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional symmetrical nut plate designs are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but assembly ease deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The nut plate incorporates an asymmetric fastener cage design with a specifically configured opening that allows the fastener element to be inserted only in one orientation. This asymmetric design guides proper assembly orientation and prevents incorrect installation, improving assembly ease while remaining compatible with standard manufacturing processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A nut plate assembly and a method for securing a nut plate assembly may include a support for a fastener element wherein the support has a base to be supported and/or fixed on a support surface and the base has another surface against which the fastener element bears. The base also supports a structure for supporting the fastener element where the structure is at least partly non-symmetrical about a plane other than a horizontal plane parallel to the base. One side of the base may be secured to the support surface and the other side of the base may have the fastener element bearing against it when a complementary fastener element is secured to the first fastener element.